Northampton chief predicts coach Radford will make a big impact with Scotland

2 hours ago 9

By ALEX BYWATER, RUGBY WRITER

Published: 19:08 BST, 5 October 2025 | Updated: 19:21 BST, 5 October 2025

New Scotland defence coach Lee Radford has been credited with changing Northampton for the better as he prepares to join Gregor Townsend's international set-up.

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson confirmed Daily Mail Sport's story that Radford will work with Scotland this autumn and for the Six Nations while also continuing as a Northampton employee.

The former rugby league player, 46, is a replacement for Steve Tandy who left his role as Scotland assistant this summer to take charge of Wales.

Lee Radford will assist Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend during the autumn tests

Northampton chief Dowson has a good relationship with Scotland head coach Townsend

'The impact he has had had on this club and the game in general has been marked,' Dowson said of Radford.

'From an emotional and technical point of view, he changed the club. Credit for him for doing that and that has been recognised at international level.'

Radford's first season with Northampton saw him help the Saints to English league title glory.

'We want to develop players but also coaches and staff,' Dowson added of Radford's Scotland call.

'He's looking forward to doing both of his jobs in parallel and taking his expertise up to Scotland. I've got a good relationship with Gregor. I'm sure he'll be a huge bonus.'

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